HomeLaw EnforcementFederal, state and local agencies participate in Operation Safebox at Port of Jacksonville

Federal, state and local agencies participate in Operation Safebox at Port of Jacksonville

Mar 29th, 2011 · Comments Off on Federal, state and local agencies participate in Operation Safebox at Port of Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Federal, state and local agencies participated in a two day multi-agency effort named “Operation Safebox” to ensure public safety and security throughout the Port of Jacksonville.

Operation Safebox is focused on identifying trends of non-compliance regarding shipping containers, and to reduce the amount of risk faced by roadway travelers by identifying trucks, trailers and chassis that do not meet highway safety standards. The vehicle and container inspections also allow officials to interdict contraband and materials that may pose a threat to the security of the United States and search for undocumented aliens attempting to enter the country.

The Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida Highway Patrol, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Transportation Security Administration are among the federal, state and local agencies involved in the operation.

Representatives from each agency are working together to detect criminal violations, inspect hazardous materials stowage, structural integrity of containers and enforce state and federal safety regulations. During the operation, more than 800 trucks and containers were inspected, numerous citations administered and more than a dozen vehicles and drivers placed out of service for safety violations.

“Operation Safebox provides all of the participating agencies the opportunity to work closely together and leverage our authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Port of Jacksonville,” said Richard Quinn, Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director. “Our combined law enforcement efforts and partnership with the community are Jacksonville’s best defense against those who pose a safety or security risk to the city and the country.”